Subscribe now

San Jose State still shuffling between quarterbacks ahead of Washington State game

San Jose State quarterback Montel Aaron throws a pass against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. Colorado State won 42-14. (David Zalubowski / AP)
San Jose State quarterback Montel Aaron throws a pass against Colorado State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. Colorado State won 42-14. (David Zalubowski / AP)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

PULLMAN – San Jose State could toggle between three quarterbacks this Saturday when the Spartans visit Washington State.

It’s unclear A) Which of the three will start against the Cougars and B) If the Spartans will once again sample all three in the nonconference game at Martin Stadium.

Preparing for multiple QBs comes with some inherent challenges and WSU, to play it safe, will probably spend time observing each of the SJSU signal-callers on film – sophomore Montel Aaron, junior Josh Love and senior Michael Carrillo – as the heavily-favored Cougars (1-0) get ready for the Spartans (0-2).

Aaron was the most effective in a season-opening loss against FCS UC Davis, completing 13-of-19 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, but Love was the one who started the game, coming out after completing just 14-of-29 for 109 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and Carrillo was the first one off the bench, going 1-of-4 while throwing a pick before being pulled after his third series.

Time consuming as this week may be for the Cougars and their defensive coaches, Mike Leach suggests a three-QB system could be equally challenging for the Spartans, who may not be able to establish a rhythm with one QB if they’re receiving passes from all three.

“It’s tough for everybody to prepare. It’s tough for them to prepare for, too,” the WSU coach said. “Ask their receivers what it’s like catching balls from three quarterbacks. It seems it’s just as tough for both sides to prepare for, it seems like. I don’t know. Tracy (Claeys) is very clever and we’ll let him sort out how to stop them.”